CONTENDERS: Minnesota Wild CLIMBING Central Division Power Rankings, Mammoth SURGE, Blues STUMBLE

Utah Mammoth surge to the top of the Central Division, boasting unmatched lineup depth and 19 different goal scorers—can their high-powered offense carry them to a Stanley Cup push despite goaltending questions? Kirill Kaprizov’s electric start launches the Minnesota Wild into early contention, even as key injuries test their depth. Are the Wild poised for a breakthrough when their roster returns to full strength?

Seth Toupal ranks every Central Division team, spotlighting the contenders—Utah Mammoth, Minnesota Wild, Colorado Avalanche, Dallas Stars—and exposing pretenders like the Winnipeg Jets and Chicago Blackhawks. Hot topics include the Avalanche’s shaky goaltending, trade rumors swirling around Connor Hellebuyck and Dylan Larkin, and why the Nashville Predators’ aging core may force a rebuild. With standout performances from Jesper Wallstedt and Matt Boldy, plus urgent team concerns and potential blockbuster moves on the horizon, this episode breaks down the real heavyweights in the chase for Western Conference dominance.

Photo Credit: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images

Everydayer Club: If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans.

Click here to learn more and join your team’s community:
https://lockedonwild.supercast.com/

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: Locked On Wild

Follow/Subscribe Anywhere: https://linktr.ee/LockedOnWild

Follow Locked On NHL: linktr.ee/lockedonNHL

Have a Question for the Show or a Topic you want Covered? Email lockedonwild@gmail.com

For your next listen, check out the Locked On NHL podcast, where the season never ends providing national expertise with a local perspective. Click HERE to listen now. Part of the Locked On Podcast Network. Your Team. Every Day.

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

Butcher Box - If you're looking for an easier way to get great meals on the table, give ButcherBox a try. Go to https://ButcherBox.com/LOCKEDONNHL to get $20 off your first box, plus your choice of free ribeye, new york strip, or filet mignon in every box for a year — with free shipping always.

Gametime - Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

KALSHI - Today's episode is brought to you by Kalshi. For a limited time, Download Kalshi and use code Locked On to get $25 when you trade $25. Kalshi. Trade what’s next.

FanDuel - This season,

FanDuel is making the excitement go beyond what happens on the field with the all-new FanDuel Rewards Club, featuring exclusive offers, surprises, and more. Every week, check the FanDuel app to see what’s waiting for you or visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.